Frequently Asked Dentistry Questions

How often should I be visiting the dentist’s office?

We strongly encourage patients to schedule a professional checkup and cleaning every six months, or twice in a calendar year. Even if you’re committed to a strict oral hygiene routine at home, only professional tools can remove hardened plaque from the teeth and gums. Dr. Markusen provides an exceptionally comprehensive experience and performs his own cleanings as well to ensure that his patients receive all of the quality attention and thoroughness they deserve.

What happens during a Complimentary Smile Consultation?

We want to make a great first impression on our new patients! That’s why Dr. Markusen and the rest of our team is happy to offer a Complimentary Smile Consultation, which (as the name implies) is entirely free. This one-on-one experience will involve us getting to know all about your unique dental wants, needs, and goals. We’ll perform a 3D teeth scan, capture plenty of dedicated extraoral and intraoral photography, and provide detailed treatment recommendations so that you can look towards your smile’s future with complete confidence.

Is it too late to rebuild my smile? I have a lot of problems.

Dr. Markusen strongly believes that it’s never too late to regain a complete, attractive smile and the higher quality of life that comes along with it! He has over four decades of experience in the oral healthcare field and has successfully navigated thousands of complex restorative procedures, helping patients overcome bad dental work, misaligned bites, traumatic injuries, long-term decay, and other serious issues. Don’t lose hope – our team is here to help.

I want a straighter smile, but I hate the idea of wearing metal braces. Are there other options?

Absolutely. Dr. Markusen offers Invisalign® Clear Braces, which feature a custom clear aligner system instead of the traditional brackets and wires we’re all so familiar with. Each aligner is designed to gradually shift teeth towards their desired positions, and when worn, they’re virtually unnoticeable to the people around you. That means you can keep smiling confidently throughout the treatment process!

I’m experiencing a lot of jaw pain. What’s the problem?

Chronic jaw pain is typically a sign of untreated bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) or TMJ disorder, which involves general dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints and/or the surrounding facial muscles. This type of discomfort can be severe and even debilitating, which is why Dr. Markusen strives to treat it as soon as possible with effective therapy, including the NTI Tension Suppression System and Invisalign Clear Braces.

Can you help me improve the way my teeth look?

Yes. Our extensive menu of services features several treatment options that are specifically designed to elevate the appearance of your teeth, including porcelain veneers, bonding, professional take-home teeth whitening, and more. If you’d like to explore our cosmetic offerings in greater detail to determine which one(s) is the right fit for your goals, we welcome you to schedule a Complimentary Smile Consultation today.

Do you take dental insurance?

Our dental office is in-network with multiple major insurance providers, and we are happy to file claims on the patient’s behalf for even more plans. To learn more about your financial options, please contact us directly or visit our New Patients page. Our team is happy to help make this process as smooth and headache-free as possible!